170 Boat Cover

[George H260]

Any ideas on boat covers out there? I don't have a garage or shed I can put my 170 in and I plan on keeping it for a long time- I have been using a cheap plastic tarp but it doesn't fit well and deteriorates fast in the Texas sun. The boat stays on the trailer with the mast in the trailering position with all the rigging in place, so I can't use a regular boat cover- What are y'all using?

 

[Tommy Weaver]

170 cover

I use a 16 X 20 silver colored tarp from Northern Tools. They are about $20 - $25 and last about 2 years. I cut slits for the sidestays and a large slit in the middle for the mast. You can leave the boom tied to the guy or, (as I do), you can drop the back of the boom on the floor and slide the cover up to the mast. I put 2 grommets on the end at the bow and tie them to the mast holder on the trailer. This is a pretty inexpensive way to keep the boat covered.

 

[J Mashburn]

Sunbrella Cover

I have a Hunter 146 & we purchased a sunbrella boat cover custom made by Doyle Sail/Select Yachts in Denver, NC. The cover is a light color grey, fits nicely on the boat & allows heat to escape. Comes w/ a 5 yr warranty. Also, the boat cover can be used with the mast up or down. If you are interested, their number is 704-483-6656 or e-mail doylenc@cs.com.J MashburnH-146TIKI

 

[Dick in MI]

I had one made

I went to a local canvas/awning shop and had a light-colored tarp made. Lots of grommits, heavy-duty and fairly waterproof. I toss it over the mast (in the trailered position) and use bungee cords to hold it down over the boat.It protects the boat, allows air to flow through for ventilation, and should last a long time. I also used it last winter to cover the boat more thoroughly (took mast off for the winter). It works for me.

 

[George H260]

Thanks for the suggestions!

The canvas tarp suggested by Dick sounds like a good, inexpensive way to protect the boat that would last a few years- thanks for all of the ideas!